Hi there, it’s Ash, aka the Still Life Nomad! Today I am going to cover the most common mistakes people make when moving abroad, whether on a working holiday visa, as a permanent resident, or country hopping. Let’s get into it!

#1 Overpacking

The first, and potentially most detrimental issue is overpacking. If you are going on a working holiday visa, staying in hostels, and without a car, you absolutely do not have the space to have two giant suitcases, a carry-on, and backpack. Absolutely not. Most seasoned travelers recommend going with just a backpack and carry-on for a reason.

Hostels have very limited space: usually just a small locker and whatever you can fit on, under, or beside the bunk beds. Ubers, busses, and taxis are also rather limited, and it gets cumbersome carrying a ton of luggage around as you relocate.

To be the most efficient, create a capsule closet (future post on that!) with a few tops or bottoms that can be mix matched to create endless outfits. Own one pair of walking shoes, avoid anything bulky, and if the country you’re going to gets cold then don’t pack your winter coat–instead wear it on the plane.

#2 Going in Blind

The next common issue is not doing your research. I have met a lot of people that said if they were to travel, they would just buy a plane ticket and go. This can be thrilling, but if you are moving abroad you need to research. Perhaps a 300-page document is excessive, but know the culture, healthcare system for migrants, visa requirements, where you’ll stay, how to get a job, how to write that country’s resume, how to take public transportation, ect. I go as far as even researching and bookmarking all the local grocery shops, pharmacies, hospitals, ect on google maps.

Not adequately preparing can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and accidents. Avoid that by being prepared! I recommend creating a master document where you compile all your research, that way you can easily reference it when situations come up.

#3 Not Budgeting Properly

Tied to research is budgeting. You need to budget for the move, but also for your first month or two once you move. After your first month or so, you can then create a standard budget for living there. Add your budgets to your master doc. Include the visa application fees, visa savings requirements, flight expenses, first month of hostel accommodation, any travel supplies you need to buy, trips to say farewell to family and friends, and anything else important pre-move. Then, do you research on cost of living to create a generic first month “set up” budget before you move to that country.

#4 Not Following Visa Requirements

The most dangerous item on this list is not understanding or following the visa requirements. This can get you in legal trouble, lead to deportation, or a denied visa. Even if people tell you “oh, they don’t actually check for that” don’t risk it. The requirements are there to keep you safe and ensure you are well prepared!

I think the thing most people are likely to overlook is the requirement for comprehensive health insurance. People realize that it doesn’t cover preventative care, so they dismiss it because it’s expensive. But it is necessary! Not only could you get in trouble, but if you get in an accident or lose your documents you won’t have support. Be prepared!

#5 Not Embracing the Local Language and Cultures

Also tied to research, but also your own ego, is learning to embrace the language and culture, especially if there are indigenous cultures like in New Zealand! Picking up basic Māori words is really simple, and vital as it is scattered throughout daily conversations. The culture itself is powerful, beautiful and so important to respect. The best way to embrace a culture or language is by living within it, but you can still learn a lot through Google and YouTube.

#6 Neglecting Your Health

If you are like me and have a plethora of physical and/or mental health conditions, then it is important to address that before you go. You won’t have access to New Zealand’s healthcare until you’ve been there for two years. Comprehensive health insurance doesn’t cover preventative care, only emergencies. It also only covers a small list of pre-existing conditions, so if you have something off that list you’ll be paying out of pocket.

Get your health in order by scheduling preventative care appointments, dentist cleanings, seeing a therapist, seeing a psychiatrist, getting 3-months supply of medications for abroad (if legal in that country), and getting any important specialist visits or surgeries taken care of. You can also do small but important things like exercise, walk, meditate, do yoga, improve your diet, and most importantly increase your water intake. Your mental and physical health matters!

#7 Not Preparing for Work Norms

Doing your research on work norms and expectations is important. Understand the common behaviors, dress code, whether or not tattoos/piercings/colored hair is allowed, how to write a resume for that country, how interviews usually go, and rankings within the workplace.

#8 Overlooking Support Networks

Don’t forget your support network! You will be thousands of miles away from family, friends, and the world you once knew. Surrounded by unfamiliar cultures, people, languages, and life. You will need support. I recommend getting a therapist through BetterHelp (Usually $60 a week) to help with the transition. There is no shame in that! Learn about groups, meetups, clubs, and organizations in the city you are going to. Get on apps like Bumble Friends to meet new individuals and set up hangouts. Give yourself grace to adjust!

#9 Rushing into Decisions

Next, don’t rush into decisions. You are doing something incredible, a once in the lifetime opportunity, but you want to be prepared. Give yourself a minimum of a few months of research before deciding. I’ve been considering NZ for 2-3 years and wanting to move abroad since I was around 5. I have over 300 pages of research (yes, I know it is excessive!) that I’ve gathered and written. I have found tons of resources and connected with people who have already moved. You need to make sure you are ready, no matter how exciting it may be to jump.

#10 Failing to Make a Backup Plan

Finally, failing to make a backup plan can lead to being stranded, homeless, stressed, or struggling to get back on your feet if things go wrong. In my case, I am keeping my car with a friend or family member so if things do not work out, I can come back and get a job in Boston or somewhere in NM. I also have other countries I can go to.

Consider where you’ll go if your choice hostel is booked, what to do if you can’t find a job within the first month, what happens if you run into an emergency and need extra funds, if you can’t secure another visa or sponsorship before yours expires, ect. Having a backup plan (or a few!) is critical!

I hope this gives you some insight on how to approach moving abroad. Good luck and happy travels!

Love,

Ash